What are health supplements?

I. Definition: It is not a medicine, but a special food.

• It possesses specific health benefits: such as supplementing nutrients, assisting in regulating blood lipids, and relieving physical fatigue. The state has clearly stipulated 24 health benefits that can be claimed.
• It is suitable for specific populations: It is not intended to treat diseases, but rather for sub-healthy individuals or those with specific needs who require adjustments to bodily functions.
• It is essentially a food: It possesses the common characteristics of food, and its safety is higher than that of medicines, but it cannot replace medication or a regular diet.

II. Core Categories: Which Type Does Your Body Need?

The health supplement market is vast and complex, but they can be broadly categorized into two main types based on their core function:

Basic Nutrient Supplements

• What they are: Primarily supplement vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that the body may not be getting enough of daily.
• Common types: Vitamin C, B complex, Vitamin D, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, fish oil (Omega-3), probiotics, etc.
• Who they are suitable for: Office workers with unbalanced diets, the elderly with reduced digestive and absorption functions, and individuals with clear deficiency symptoms (such as fatigue, cramps) or whose physical examination indicators suggest a deficiency.

Functional Regulators

• What they are: Contain specific bioactive ingredients designed to help improve a particular bodily function.
• Common types: Phytosterols to help lower blood lipids, melatonin to help improve sleep (note the differences between domestic and international products), lutein to relieve eye strain, Ganoderma lucidum spore powder to enhance immunity, etc.
• Who they are suitable for: Individuals in a specific "sub-healthy" state who wish to achieve targeted regulation through additional methods.

III. Concise Guidelines for Different Groups

• Middle-aged and elderly individuals (focused on bones and cardiovascular health): Consider calcium, vitamin D, and fish oil, but these should be used separately from any medications they are taking (such as anticoagulants) to avoid interactions.
• Office workers (fatigue, immunity): Supplementing with multivitamins and probiotics may be beneficial, but addressing issues like staying up late, prolonged sitting, and consuming takeout food should be prioritized.
• Sports enthusiasts: Sports nutrition products such as protein powder and creatine are specialized categories and should be selected scientifically based on exercise intensity and goals.
• Teenagers and healthy individuals:** A balanced diet is preferred; generally, additional supplementation is unnecessary unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.